For Real
Willie Nelson Lukas Nelson Micah Nelson Jakob Dylan Dhani Harrison Amos Lee Lyrics
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Oh brother, could we be so dumb
They set us up like domino's
I didn't do it for no magazine
Didn't do it for no video
I didn't do it for no, no CEO
I woulda done it for free
Yeah I did it for me
'Cause it was all that rang true
I did it for real
And I did it for you
I might of done it for my sanity
Maybe I done it for my vanity
Could be I done it for my, my big ego
But I did it for real
Woulda done it for free
Yeah I did it for me
'Cause it was all that rang true
I did it for real
And I did it for you
Oh brother, look what we've become
Oh brother, I've been overrun
Only did it for the way it made me feel
But I did it for real
Woulda done it for free
Yeah I did it for me
'Cause it was all that rang true
I did it for real
And I did it for you
The song For Real by Willie Nelson Lukas Nelson Micah Nelson Jakob Dylan Dhani Harrison Amos Lee is a reflection on the motivations behind the artistic pursuits of an individual. The lyrics speak of questioning one's own intentions and reasons for creating art or music. The line "Oh brother, look what we've become, could we be so dumb" refers to the shallow and commercial nature of the music industry and how it can lead artists to compromise on their artistic integrity. The lyrics go on to state that the artist did not create for financial gain or fame, but for themselves and the truth that it represents.
The chorus repeats the phrase "I did it for real" multiple times, emphasizing the deep and genuine nature of the artist's creative expression. The song acknowledges the possibility of selfish motivations such as ego, vanity or sanity for creating art, but still concludes that the most profound reason is doing it for oneself and the audience who connects with the artist's work.
The song acknowledges the challenges faced by artists in the music industry and the potential loss of authenticity when succumbing to commercial pressures. It is a powerful statement about the importance of keeping true to one's own artistic vision and authenticity.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh brother, look what we've become
Expressing disbelief and disappointment in how society has developed over time.
Oh brother, could we be so dumb
Rhetorical question, suggesting that society has made foolish decisions.
They set us up like domino's
We were made to be easily toppled over in a predetermined way, like a game of dominoes.
I didn't do it for no magazine
I didn't do it to gain publicity or fame through a magazine article.
Didn't do it for no video
I didn't do it to appear in a music video to gain more exposure.
I didn't do it for no, no CEO
I didn't do it to impress or satisfy a CEO of a company.
But I did it for real
I did it with sincerity, authenticity and honesty.
I woulda done it for free
I did it for the pure love of it and my passion for the art, without expecting to be paid.
Yeah I did it for me
I did it for personal fulfillment and enjoyment.
'Cause it was all that rang true
It was the only thing that felt genuine and truthful to me.
I did it for real
I did it sincerely and genuinely.
And I did it for you
I did it for the listeners, to share my art with them.
I might of done it for my sanity
I may have done it to keep myself sane and emotionally stable.
Maybe I done it for my vanity
Perhaps I did it to satisfy my ego and appearance to others.
Could be I done it for my, my big ego
It's possible I did it to feed my own inflated sense of pride and importance.
Oh brother, I've been overrun
The artist feels overwhelmed and dominated by external forces.
Only did it for the way it made me feel
The artist's primary motivation was the emotional fulfillment and joy that the art brought them.
Lyrics ยฉ Wixen Music Publishing
Written by: Thomas Earl Petty
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
michiganriverman
Here I am, on Christmas morning. A 60 year old man seeing this tribute for the first time with tears running down my face. I got into him and The Heartbreakers when I bought their first album as soon as it was released. Thank you guys for providing the music of my life. I'd say RIP Tom, but I'll bet you're jamming with Howie, George, Roy, and countless others. So turn it up and let 'er rip, FOR REAL! Rock on brother!
Laura Hochevar
He was and still is my all time favorite
Phoenix Ren
same feelings from a seventeen year old fan foo :)
b420xd
The George Harrison soul can be hear through Dhanni voice. Best Tribute!!
Jackson Everage
Nice gift to every Petty fan. Great tribute.
Deborah
A Beautiful tribute for a beautiful soul - Thank you to all the artists who participated. Much love.
Andrew Barrett
Wow. Awesome. Thank you guys! Also, how the hell does anyone thumbs down this song?? Or anything to do with Tom for that matter?!?! Beautiful tribute!โ๐๐ฉ
Melissa Gerber
Some people don't like this song. Some people don't like these artists covering a TP song.
It's a diverse world.
Bikeluver susie
My thoughts exactly! Idiots.
Lucas Dungan
This gave me the chills rest easy Tom we all miss you